Obituary of Dollie Mae Self

Dollie Mae Smalley Self, was born May 6, 1925 in Lincolnton, Georgia. She received her Heavenly promotion on Monday, December 9, 2013 after a brief stay in hospice care at Kennedy Health Systems, Stratford, New Jersey. She was the youngest of ten siblings born to the late Webb and Georgia Leverett-Smalley. She grew up and attended school in McCormick, South Carolina. At an early age she dedicated her life to Christ and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in McCormick, South Carolina. In 1941, she met and married the late Joseph P. Self and from their union they were blessed with six daughters. In 1958, Joseph and Dollie relocated their family to Berlin, New Jersey. Whereas a family they joined Green Grove Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend W. L. Turner. For fifty-five years, Dollie was a faithful member of Green Grove Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Choir, Missionary and Seniors Ministries. Dollie loved and supported Pastor Holland and her church family and she would always talk about how much they loved her; as she would receive many hugs and kisses weekly. She especially looked forward to third Sundays to hear the Men's Choir sing. Dollie was employed at Atco Knitting Mill until her retirement in 1977. After which, she spent most of her time with her children and grandchildren and on almost any Sunday you could find the house filled with family members enjoying one of her Sunday dinners. There was nothing like her cooking! Dollie had a way of making everyone feel special and each generation had a name they called her; "Mom", "Mom-Mom", and affectionately known as "Big Mom" by her great grandchildren. Dollie was an avid fan of WWF Wrestling and has several personalized autograph pictures of her favorite wrestlers in almost every room and she faithfully watched every Monday and Friday nights. She was preceded in death by husband, Joseph P. Self and two sons-in law; Orlando G. Covington, Sr. and George E. Butler. Her memory will be cherished by six daughters: Betty Murray (Elwood) of West Berlin, NJ, Joanne Butler of Atco, NJ, Anna Covington of Atco, NJ, Otelia Wilson (Richard) of Lindenwold, NJ, Mamie Brown (Roger) of Atco, NJ, and Fay Scott (Kenneth) of Sicklerville, NJ; fifteen grandchildren: Orlando, Jr. (Laurie), Stephaine, Robert, Jr. (Theressa), Yevette (Adonis), Tamika, Trina, Edwin (Marcia), Tambra, Shawnnika, Angel, Roger Jr., Kenneth Jr. (Latoya), Kevin (Danielle), Kia and Nishie'; twenty-one great grandchildren with three on the way; a host of family and friends; special friend Bertha Hall and adoptive family, Aaron, Connie, Marc and Aaronique.